Ana Nobre is the Lab Manager at ACT Lab. She oversees lab and project management, mentors students, and supports dissemination and outreach activities. Ana holds a PhD in Biochemistry (Microbiology specialization) from the University of Coimbra and has extensive experience in microbial and plant molecular biology, proteomics, and biotechnological applications. She is also a FELASA-accredited Category A, B, and D Specialist and actively promotes sustainable lab practices as a GreenKeeper at GreenLabs CiBB.

Cláudia Deus is an Assistant Researcher at MIA-Portugal, with expertise in Mitochondrial Biology and Age-related Neurodegenerative Diseases. She completed her PhD in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine at the University of Coimbra and leads projects on mitochondrial health and regenerative medicine. 

​

Cristina Blanco holds a PhD in Biomedicine from the University of Granada, Spain, with expertise in Tissue Engineering. Her research has focused on prevascularization of artificial oral mucosa substitutes and regenerative biomaterials. She joined ACT Lab to continue her research career in aging and regenerative therapies.​

Hugo Fernandes holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Twente (The Netherlands) and a degree in Applied Biology from the University of Minho (Portugal). His work combines high-content screening, functional stem cell assays, and molecular delivery systems to develop regenerative therapies targeting age-related diseases. ​​

Jéssica Simão is a Master’s student at ACT Lab. She will investigate the impact of human senescent cells on skin wound healing using ex vivo models. Her project will also examine the regenerative potential of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived secretome. Senescence will be induced in skin-derived cells (fibroblasts and epithelial cells), which will then be characterized to assess their effects on wound healing. Additionally, MSC-derived secretome will be collected and analyzed to evaluate its bioactivity and role in enhancing tissue regeneration.

Joana Figueiredo is a Laboratory Technician at the ACT Lab, working under the LIGHTCURE project (Reference 101080327). She holds a PhD in Biosciences (Ecology specialization) from the University of Coimbra and has expertise in plant–nematode interactions, molecular biology, and biotechnological approaches for root lesion nematode control.